seismic wave — vibrations that travel through the Earth's layers caused by earthquakes, explosions, or other disturbances
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: vibrations that travel through the Earth's layers caused by earthquakes, explosions, or other disturbances
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsaɪzmɪk weɪv/
Example Sentences
- The seismologist's coffee cup started dancing when the seismic waves from the distant earthquake finally reached the lab.
- Modern buildings are designed to withstand seismic waves through advanced engineering techniques.
- The underground nuclear test generated seismic waves so strong that neighboring countries' monitoring stations went crazy.
seismic wave
NOUN[/ˈsaɪzmɪk weɪv/]
vibrations that travel through the Earth's layers caused by earthquakes, explosions, or other disturbances
Scientists watch the seismic wave ripple across the monitor after the quake hits.
Academic seismic research reveals cosmic secrets!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Seismic wave combines Greek seismos (earthquake, tremor) with English wave (undulation). The term emerged in the 19th century to describe vibrational disturbances propagating through the Earth's crust following seismic events.
Breakdown
seismic (from Greek seismos: earthquake, tremor) + wave (from Old English wafian: to move back and forth, undulate). The compound literally denotes oscillatory motion generated by seismic activity.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The seismologist's coffee cup started dancing when the seismic waves from the distant earthquake finally reached the lab.”
“Modern buildings are designed to withstand seismic waves through advanced engineering techniques.”
“The underground nuclear test generated seismic waves so strong that neighboring countries' monitoring stations went crazy.”
“Geologists use seismic waves to map the internal structure of our planet.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.